SALEM, OR. — Oregon lawmakers are moving forward with House Bill 3795, a legislative effort aimed at strengthening tax preparation assistance for low-income residents through targeted grants and community outreach. The bill, currently under consideration in the Oregon Senate after passing the House, proposes the creation of a new grant program administered by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) to address gaps in tax education and filing support among underserved populations.
HB 3795 is designed to provide financial resources to culturally specific and responsive organizations, tribal governments, and community service groups operating in rural and under-resourced areas. The bill’s primary objective is to increase awareness and access to federal and state tax benefits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which remains underutilized by many eligible households.
The legislation outlines a comprehensive approach to overcoming the structural barriers that often prevent marginalized residents from accessing tax-related services. The proposed grant program would fund initiatives that educate low-income individuals about available tax credits, guide them through the process of filing income tax returns, and provide one-on-one support to navigate the tax system more effectively.
One of the key components of the bill is its emphasis on building and sustaining a statewide network of culturally specific tax preparation organizations. These groups would receive funding to train and retain qualified tax preparers, expand volunteer capacity, and improve technological infrastructure used in tax preparation services. The bill also calls for investment in multilingual education materials, digital tools, and training resources to ensure accessibility for non-English speakers and individuals with disabilities.
To maintain transparency and community relevance, HB 3795 mandates the formation of an advisory committee. This committee will play a key role in shaping the implementation of the grant program and is required to include members who reflect the communities the bill is intended to serve. Specifically, representation must include individuals who are low-income, Black, Indigenous, people of color, those with disabilities, non-English-speaking residents, and Oregonians aged 65 and older.
The advisory committee will help guide funding decisions and provide feedback to ODHS on program performance, ensuring that the grant program evolves in response to the needs of local communities. The committee’s insights will also inform the department’s annual reports to the Oregon Legislative Assembly. These reports must detail the outcomes of the grant program, including the number of residents reached, services provided, and any improvements made in taxpayer engagement and benefit access.
The bill’s framework is intended to support long-term solutions for tax equity, but it includes a built-in sunset provision. All provisions of HB 3795 are scheduled to expire on January 2, 2027, unless extended or made permanent through future legislative action. This time-bound structure allows the state to evaluate the program’s effectiveness and determine whether it merits continued investment.
The need for expanded tax assistance is well-documented, especially among residents who face systemic barriers related to language, income, education, and digital access. By focusing resources on organizations that are embedded in these communities, HB 3795 aims to close those gaps and ensure broader participation in tax benefit programs that can offer meaningful financial relief.
As of May 16, 2025, HB 3795 has passed the Oregon House and awaits further deliberation in the Senate. Scheduled committee hearings will determine whether the bill advances toward final approval and eventual implementation. If enacted, the measure will mark a significant step toward addressing economic inequity through community-driven tax education and support.
The outcome of HB 3795 will likely influence how Oregon approaches future efforts to increase financial literacy and access to government benefits. For many Oregonians, especially those living paycheck to paycheck, the support made available through this legislation could offer much-needed clarity, stability, and financial empowerment.